[shaliniabhi]

Can anyone please help me on how to get free/paid observerships/clerkships in Bay area California. It would be really helpful if someone can send me a list of hospitals that would offer observerships especially in Family Medicine/Internal Medicine/Paediatrics. Thanks

 

[Alireza2534]

Clerkship in Bay Area

Hi Dr .

I have the same question as you had . I live in Bay Area . Did you find the list of the hospitals or clinics ?
Thanks

 

[Snehal R]

@ Shaliniabhi

Did you get any info on free/paid observerships/clerkships in Bay area California. I am in the same situation right now. I'm just done with my step 1 and looking for USCE. lt would be helpful if you can suggest me hospitals that would offer observerships in bay area, if you have this info. Thanks.

 

[sendia]

try to get a hands on rotation out of state. observerhips are very not seen as clinical experience by residency program directors. your CV must have strong usce to compete for Match.

 

[smallserenity]

I just finished a 4 week paid externship at Dr. Roger Washington's Clinic. I have found it really useful. He's a Stanford graduate and has lots of experience in teaching. If you are interested I can give you more information.

 

[Snehal R]

@smallserenity

I did come across Dr. Roger Washington's Clinic externship a while back, but wasn't sure if doing externship in California is legal for IMG.
Could you please give me more info and tell me little bit about your experience in this externship?
Also how much in advance one has to apply for this externship ?

Thanks.

 

[smallserenity]

@smallserenity

I did come across Dr. Roger Washington's Clinic externship a while back, but wasn't sure if doing externship in California is legal for IMG.
Could you please give me more info and tell me little bit about your experience in this externship?
Also how much in advance one has to apply for this externship ?

Thanks.

Hi Snehal R, There seems to be a misunderstand with 'externs are illegal in CA' but in fact it's not illegal to do externships in California. It is illegal to hire externs to 'practice medicine', which means no examining patients and managing patients without direct supervision from licensed doctor. However, It is completely legal to have externs assist in a doctor's clinic. This means that you can exam patients and more if the doctor has asked the patient and gave you permission.

I just finished my externship last week and memory is very fresh. I have found it very useful. He's a Stanford Medical School graduate, trained at San Jose O'Connor Family Medicine program. He has been practising Family Physician for over 30 years in the Bay Area, and has a lot of teaching experience.

During my externship, I performed all the activities a Medical Assistant can do, which included taking patient's medical history, collecting the vitals signs, taking notes during consultations, performing EKG and spirometry.

Dr. Washington made me feel involved in his practice. He tried to get me to see as many patients with him as possible (some patients don't want externs in their consultations), included me during patient consultations, and we discussed each case after consultant. I learned how to write prescriptions, request blood tests and refer patients to specialist according to the patient's health insurance system requirements.

Furthermore, he gave me tutorials during my externships. Tutorial topics vary widely each time, he introduced the structure of USA health care system, gave me tips on how to strengthen my personal statements, and advice on how to improve my interview skills.

Rena, the current Medical Assistant, who work with Dr. Washington, is a really lovely person to work with. She really helped me settle in the practice. I highly encourage anyone who wants an externship in California to contact him directly and set up an appointment. His website is http://rogerwashington.com/externship-program/

I applied in November 2016 and got my externship in January-February 2017. Wish you good luck.

 

[docindus]

internal medicine

Is there similar externships/observships for internal medicine in bay area?

 

[mscircleofwillis]

In California, if you are a graduate you better not be touching patients period. Doesn't matter whatever the "title" is "observer/extern".... no touchy in any situation as a graduate. And if you do, remember to tell your LOR writer that they don't mention anywhere that you had direct contact aka did a "physical exam!!" 2 of my friends got red flagged because of this!!

 

[smallserenity]

In California, if you are a graduate you better not be touching patients period. Doesn't matter whatever the "title" is "observer/extern".... no touchy in any situation as a graduate. And if you do, remember to tell your LOR writer that they don't mention anywhere that you had direct contact aka did a "physical exam!!" 2 of my friends got red flagged because of this!!

I am sure you replied this in good nature, but it scares away so many IMGs. We need to look at where this myth of 'no touching patient is originated. Here is the quote from Medical Board of California Newsletter July 2010: "If graduates are unable to gain admission into an accredited training program, they cannot gain clinical experience by working in a physician's private office or clinic performing any duties other than those routinely fulfilled by a medical assistant. They cannot perform as a trainee (in a residency program) nor a physician assistant. International graduates may be employed as medical assistants in a physician's office if they do not represent themselves as medical doctors nor exceed the duties specified in Business and Professions Code section 2069-2071 and Title 16, California Code of Regulations, sections 1366-1366.4."

This means that you can do anything medical assistant can do, which includes taking blood pressure and simple tasks like EKG or spirometry, just make sure you are not perceived as a 'doctor' then you are all good. Maybe your friend's LOR made them sound like they practiced medicine independently and that is a no-no as per California Medical Board.

 

[mscircleofwillis]

No of course I didn't mean to scare anyone, I am an IMG myself! I just think it's important to know and to be careful at all times in the residency process.

I also think if an IMG is resorting to pay for an observership, it should be in a clinic/hospital that is associated with a residency programs preferably one which is IMG friendly! Much better for making contacts!

 

[smallserenity]

No of course I didn't mean to scare anyone, I am an IMG myself! I just think it's important to know and to be careful at all times in the residency process.

I also think if an IMG is resorting to pay for an observership, it should be in a clinic/hospital that is associated with a residency programs preferably one which is IMG friendly! Much better for making contacts!

I agree with you mscircleofwillis, unfortunately there aren't many residency programs in the SF/Bay Area. The existing programs are Kaiser, Sutter or affiliated with Stanford and UCSF and they don't even offer observerships.

If you or anyone has any information on externships in Northern California please share it with us.

 

[mscircleofwillis]

Absolutely true. CA is known not to be an IMG friendly state... aside from the lack of observerships and the lack of IMGs in CA residency programs (which should be hints in itself)... the need for PTAL, social security, permanent residence, are just a few of the other hoops to jump thro! Unless an IMG has the latter list, doing an observership in CA is not most beneficial. Which is why I said earlier, if you have to pay... choose strategically: an IMG friendly state with IMG friendly programs!

Nevertheless, the big observership companies do place you with private docs in the area who are willing to let graduates observe. Otherwise I'd just email docs directly.

 

[smallserenity]

@mscircleofwillis do you know which observership companies have placements in CA Bay Area?

Some IMGs are lucky enough to jump through all the admin hoops to work in CA, and family obligations force us to stay in CA. Unfortunately, the competition is fierce amongst the AMG to stay/come to CA that there is very little room for any IMGS. All we can do is try to our best and hope that we did was bright enough to stand out.

 

[mscircleofwillis]

FMG Portal

So true! Good luck!

 

[ravinarajan]

I just finished a 4 week paid externship at Dr. Roger Washington's Clinic. I have found it really useful. He's a Stanford graduate and has lots of experience in teaching. If you are interested I can give you more information.

Hiii i just wanted to know how did u prepare for the interview for the externship with dr.roger washington. How was the interview experience?

 

[smallserenity]

Hiii i just wanted to know how did u prepare for the interview for the externship with dr.roger washington. How was the interview experience?

So he told me to be confident, feel as if you are already a part of the program. Also to have the initiative to start projects, and have ideas regarding what you want for the program.

 

[ravinarajan]

I just finished a 4 week paid externship at Dr. Roger Washington's Clinic. I have found it really useful. He's a Stanford graduate and has lots of experience in teaching. If you are interested I can give you more information.

Hiii..sorry to disturb u again..can u mail me at [email protected] for clearing my doubts further..thanks in advance

 

[ravinarajan]

@ Shaliniabhi

Did you get any info on free/paid observerships/clerkships in Bay area California. I am in the same situation right now. I'm just done with my step 1 and looking for USCE. lt would be helpful if you can suggest me hospitals that would offer observerships in bay area, if you have this info. Thanks.

hii snehal..i think i saw ur review in yellp for dr.roger washington.i wanted to know how exactly u prepared for the interview with him because i am very nervous nd very new to it. Can u please mail me personally at [email protected]
Thanks in advance